D-Movie for recording and editing full-HD movies and AF-F focus mode for movie recording
The D3100 is equipped with the D-Movie function that enables recording of high-definition movies (with monaural sound) by simply pressing the movie-record button. Movies can be recorded with the same aperture and other settings applied in Guide mode.
In addition, the camera also offers an AF-F focus mode for movie recording. When AF-F mode is enabled, the camera focuses continuously during movie recording removing the need for holding the shutter-release button down halfway. The D3100 also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning or end of movie files.
New DX-format 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor
Nikon has developed a new DX-format CMOS image sensor offering an effective pixel count of 14.2-million pixels. The new sensor enables the D3100 to produce high-resolution images with outstanding enlargement capability. The camera makes the most of its normal ISO sensitivity up to 3200. For added shooting versatility, the camera�s Hi 2 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 12800.
EXPEED 2, Nikon�s updated image-processing system
The D3100 is equipped with Nikon�s exclusive EXPEED 2 image processing system. The leading-edge technology of the original EXPEED system has been refined, maximising the camera�s power to process the large amounts of data generated by the D3100�s 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. EXPEED 2 meets the demands of the D3100�s advanced imaging functions, suppressing noise in still images and movies, while reproducing excellent resolution, long tonal scale and vivid colour range.
Refined Guide mode
Guide mode has been refined to make most camera operations even easier, from shooting to image playback and editing to the application of camera settings, regardless of the user's skill level.
Assist images:The D3100 displays assist images that show the effect of various camera settings, giving users an idea of the results they can expect with specified settings, prior to taking the shot.
Other new functions built into Guide mode:
1. Selection from 3 shooting techniques: �Use the viewfinder," �Use live view,� �Shoot movies�
2. �Bring more into focus� and �Show water flowing� options have been added to the �Advanced operation� menu for shooting
3. �Movie settings,� �HDMI,� �Flicker reduction� and �Eye-Fi upload�* options have been added to the �Set Up� menu for applying basic camera settings
* Only available when compatible Eye-Fi memory card is inserted
Live View shooting
Nikon�s versatile Live View shooting, can be accessed with one-touch ease by simply rotating the live view switch. This makes shooting feel more like shooting with a compact digital camera, easing the transition to digital-SLR for beginners. In addition, various information such as the shooting mode, time remaining (movie mode) and battery indicator can be shown in the live view display.
Built-in scene auto selector
The D3100 is equipped with the scene auto selector function. When live view mode is enabled in Auto or Auto (flash off) mode, the camera automatically analyzes the scene and selects the appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Close up or Night portrait.* This function allows users to achieve the intended images while leaving all settings up to the camera.
*Scene auto selector is disabled with manual focusing.
Nikon D3100 Other Functions
? Equipped with a face detection function capable of detecting up to 35 human faces (D3000: up to 5 faces)
? Operation has been improved with the addition of an independent movie-record button and release-mode selector. In addition, the rubber grip provides a better fit.
? Equipped with a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) bus that enables remote control playback of images and movies recorded with the camera when the camera is connected to a high-definition TV
? Equipped with a new exposure compensation algorithm for greater flexibility and performance with NEF (RAW) processing
? The new ViewNX 2 software is bundled with the D3100